Imprint

The German pianist Julia Hülsmann isn’t well known in the U.S., but she deserves to be. Several of her previous albums featured singers, but her 2008 release, The End of Summer, spotlighted instrumentals for her trio, which includes bassist Marc Muellbauer and drummer Heinrich Kobberling. The same group appears on 2011’s excellent Imprint. The lovely opening track “Rond Point” quickly establishes that this isn’t a pianist-plus-backing-band album, but the work of an organic unit. There are hints of pop in the compositions, and they sometimes recall the work of Brad Mehldau. Kobberling brings countless nuanced touches to the music, and Muellbauer’s melodicism is a delight. (Kobberling and Muellbauer each contribute two compositions that nicely fit in with the seven Hülsmann originals). The one cover, “Kauf dir einen bunten Luftballon,” is from a 1940s German musical comedy. The song was a favorite of Hülsmann’s late mother, and this version sounds great. Imprint closes with “Who’s Next,” a tribute to Thelonious Monk. It references Monk’s angular, off-kilter-ways, but the group brings its own touch to the piece.